News Release

University of Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D.; Professor of Law David Koelsch, J.D.; and UDM students Anai Orozco, Rosie Ortiz, Xochitl Cossyleon and Claudia Zuniga Benitezare will attend the presentation of a national research report on undocumented students at Jesuit colleges and universities on Tuesday, Feb. 26 in Washington, D.C. UDM was one of the Jesuit-sponsored universities involved in the research study on undocumented students in higher education. See the following press releases from Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago for event details.

The presidents of 25 Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) recently signed a moral statement, pledging their support, to the education and care of undocumented students, and many were at the event to support these individuals who were brought to the U.S. as young children by parents who either overstayed a legal visa or entered the country without the authorization of the federal government. Researchers said their obstacles, issues, and desires serve as a to do list of what any new practices and procedures must address.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEDIA ALERTImmigration: Undocumented Students in Higher Education

Findings of major national study of undocumented students at Jesuits colleges and universities to be unveiled and discussed at Washington, D.C. event February 26. In the United States today, many undocumented students, bright, talented, and motivated young men and women who were brought into this country by parents without the authorization of the federal government or who entered the U.S. legally but overstayed their visas, find themselves prevented from developing their full potential, limited in their ability to contribute to the civic life of their surroundings, and living in fear of being deported.

Who: Collaborative group of three Jesuit Institutions - Fairfield University (Fairfield, Conn.); Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Urban Research & Learning (Chicago, IL); and Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, Calif.)

What: Results of a National Study: “Immigration: Undocumented Students in Higher Education”
A major, multi-year Ford Foundation-funded study to understand the issues and complex lives of undocumented students in higher education, with a focus on the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. The three lead Jesuit institutions – Fairfield, Santa Clara and Loyola University Chicago - each partnered with another Jesuit university in their region – Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey (Fairfield), Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles (Santa Clara), and University of Detroit Mercy (Loyola University Chicago), doing in-depth interviews with students, staff and community advocates.

Researchers found some undocumented students dream of becoming teachers, accountants, nurses, doctors and engineers. However, those professions are off limits because they require certifications that undocumented students are unable to obtain. Some shared that they feel disconnected from campus life. Many other findings to be shared.

present a way of proceeding on immigration that informs and helps shape the national educational discourse

improve institutional practices for undocumented students at Jesuit institutions nationwide

explore the obstacles, needs, and desires of impacted students, and provide them with a more fulfilling educational experience.

make a substantive contribution to the common good of the nation from a principled Catholic perspective

suggest a new model of leadership in this area.

Participation: The event will bring together Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) presidents, faculty and administrators, national legislators and students. There will be an opportunity to talk one-on-one with speakers and researchers following the event, including students. In a gesture of solidarity, a group of AJCU presidents have signed a moral statement to work together to help undocumented students. We anticipate that many of the presidents who signed it will also attend the event.

Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life is spearheading this project. The Center for Faith and Public Life studies areas where religion and socio-political issues intersect. Fr. Richard Ryscavage, S.J., is the director of the center. For more information, please visiwww.fairfield.edu/immigrantstudent- Loyola -

The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, with more than 100 academic majors and programs. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy, the University has campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit.

UDM is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and the largest of 17 Mercy institutions of higher education in the United States. For the 14th consecutive year, University of Detroit Mercy is listed in the top tier of Midwest regional universities in the 2015 edition of the U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" rankings.